REVIEW. 



on the principal floor. But when, as is generally the case, the house is built on level ground, 

 and the lower rooms are lighted solely by area 

 windows, nothing can be more entirely opposed 

 to the idea of freedom that is suggested by life 

 in the country than a basement dining-room. 

 It is in this apartment that the different mem- 

 bers of the family are sure to assemble several 

 times a day, though they may be almost com- 

 pletely separated at other times by circum- 

 stances, or the various jjursuits that occupy 

 their attention, and it is higlily desirable that 

 such a room should fitly and cheerfully ex- 

 press its purpose, and be one of the most agree- 

 able in the house, so as to heighten the value 

 of this constant and familiar reunion as much 

 as possible, and to encourage in every way, by 

 external influences, a spirit of refinement and 

 liberal hospitality. The fact is, that the ai't 

 of eating and drinking wisely and well is so 

 important to our social happiness, that it de- 

 serves to be developed under somewhat more 

 favorable circumstances than is possible in a 

 basement dining-room. There is no necessity, 

 in any country house, that such a room should 

 be restricted in its use to one purpose. If fit- 

 ted up with book-cases, and enlivened by en- 

 gravings, it will be constantly used as a family 

 room ; for, with proper pantry arrangements, 

 it can be left entirely free in a few minutes 

 after each meal." 



The accompanying vignette gives a 

 slight sketch of an oak niantlepiece, in- 

 troduced into a design for a dining-room, 

 executed for H. W. Sargent, Esq., of 

 Fishkill Landing, on the Hudson. It 



required to be simply planned, so that it could be easily executed in the country 

 by a clever carpenter. The effect is excellent. 



No previous volume has appeared among us, on this subject, so ably illustrated, 

 and though the reader in search of a model for his dwelling, should fail to find Uie 

 exact picture that will suit his wants, he cannot read the text without acquiring 

 an amount of information vastly beyond the cost 

 of the book. 



We have prepared some copies of Mr. Yaux's 

 able illustrations, but having exhausted our limits, 

 must be content, this month, with a vignette illus- 

 trating a study for a garden out-building, sup- 



Design for Oak Mantlepiece. 



posed to be situated where it must be seen, more rlSif \ 

 - '- - - ■ ■ -m^^ 



or less. Mr. Yaux says it has not been executed. c^0 

 We look upon the work as of so much import- ■* ^ 

 ance that we shall return to it. 



ELEVATION 



